By Mal Butler
Two 17-year-old boys, from Ventnor, have been arrested following a fire at the Esplanade Hotel, Sandown, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Large sections of the seafront derelict building’s roof were completely destroyed, with charred timbers and blackened upper floors exposed.
On Monday, a police spokesman confirmed: “We were notified of a fire at a property on High Street, Sandown, by our colleagues at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, shortly after 3:30am on Sunday.
“Following enquiries officers have now arrested two 17-year-old boys from Ventnor on suspicion of arson. Both have been bailed until Monday, January 11, 2027 whilst our investigation continues.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the incident at the present time to establish the full circumstances. Anybody with information they believe may support these enquiries should dial 101, quoting 44260498905.”
Firefighters from across the Island, with crews from Shanklin, Ryde, Ventnor, Newport, and Freshwater worked through the night to tackle the flames.
Around 4am, the fire service posted a social media alert warning, nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area, as the fire took hold with flames leaping into the air.
The crews left the area around noon, but the Esplanade was closed for about 18 hours while two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform remained at the scene to carry out inspections.
IW Councillor for Sandown South, Frank Baldry, said: “It is deeply saddening and frustrating to see a derelict seafront hotel targeted by arson.
“Deliberate fires not only create a dangerous eyesore on our seafront but they also put innocent lives, neighbouring properties, and our emergency services at serious risk.
“I attended the scene on Sunday morning, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the firefighters and emergency personnel for their prompt, brave, and professional response.
“Thanks to their swift action, the blaze was quickly brought under control before further damage or harm could occur. Our seafront is a key part of Sandown community and we must work together with local authorities and police to ensure these vacant sites are properly secured and that those responsible are held accountable.”
The hotel has been the target of various arson attacks for many years, although in early 2024 Plaza Property Development were given the green light to go ahead with its plans to turn it into a new apartment block featuring 20 units, with 14 for residential use and the remaining six to be rented out as holiday lets.
In 1970, while the building was the Seagrove Hotel, rock legend, Jimi Hendrix, stayed there the night before his famous IW Festival set.
Isle of Wight Observer